September 21, 2020
On Friday evening Saanich Police officers attended the University of Victoria alongside Campus Security officers to ensure compliance surrounding liquor laws as well as COVID-19 Provincial Orders.
On September 18, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. they came across a group of approximately 100 young adults gathering near the fountain outside the main library. The officers observed a complete lack of any physical distancing as well as many openly consuming liquor.
There was a total of 11 tickets issued to individuals who were found not to be maintaining the required distance apart and 14 related to the consumption of liquor, including minors who were in possession. All the mentioned offences carry fines of $230 under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act (CRMA) and Liquor Control and Licencing Act (LCLA), respectively.
Officers returned for a second night on Saturday but witnessed a much different scene. Small groups of 6-8 were gathered and adhering to distancing protocols and the majority were polite, respectful and even thanked police for being there.
Of the individuals ticketed, almost all were registered students at the University.
“It appears that enforcement measures had the desired effect, setting the tone for Saturday’s overall compliance at the campus. We hope others share this message with their peers because at the end of the day it’s doing everything we can to keep everyone safe in our community and beyond.”
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information and Communications Officer